Pace Beijing presents a contrasting yet complementary exhibition of two influential artists, Sol LeWitt and Zhang Xiaogang, which will run through November 19. The show features over 20 new paintings by Zhang, which spiritually converse with Sol LeWitt’s minimalist sculptures and wall drawings. Although conceptually different, the artists’ practice and works indicate certain similarities. Pace has highlighted these connections by installing a translucent wall to divide their works, causing a visual clash, but also aiming to demonstrate a “harmonious and conceptual coexistence.”Recognized as a pioneer of Minimalism in the 1960s, American artist Sol LeWitt revolutionized the genre by detaching himself from the process of artistic production. The intention was to liberate the artist from being bound by technical skills, thus elevating Minimalism to a new metaphysical level and overturning the traditional idea of making art.Pace showcases LeWitt's basic geometric sculptures, as well as a series of wall drawings which were, in fact, created by the artist’s assistants in line with his detailed instructions. By separating himself from the production process, LeWitt eliminated his personal feelings from the work, “reaching a higher level of conceptualism.”In contrast with LeWitt’s basic geometric structures are Chinese artist Zhang Xiaogang’s multidimensional paintings filled with rich imagery, which “open up a psychological inner world.” While LeWitt focused wholeheartedly on art, Zhang delves into more complex and intrusive issues. The artist intertwines history with reality, and collective memories with private memories. Further, Zhang’s new body of work denotes a radical change in his artistic direction, inserting concrete visual symbols rather than abstract text and imagery. The repetitive objects found in his paintings of doors, mirrors, windows, and cabinets divide recollections into multiple layers, becoming an archive of memories. The exhibition commemorates a special occasion for both artists. For Zhang Xiaogang, it marks his return to Beijing after four years. It also celebrates the first comprehensive exhibition of Sol LeWitt's most representative works in China. “Sol LeWitt and Zhang Xiaogang” runs through November 19 at Pace Beijing.
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